Continuous envelopes



Dec. 27, 1966 F. x. MUDD, JR 3,294,423

CONTINUOUS ENVELOPES Filed June 25, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 W1 o p a 1 A 4X 4 o o o Z5 To WHOM PAID BY WHOM PAID o o\ 0 0 7 0 h 0 Q 6 o o IIT 0 Ois l l I O I l l o o I TO WHOM PAID BY WHOM PAID I o o I l 13H? I: o; 1i I O 1 III- WEST l I 0 ST- PAUL 55|05 O I ym- 1 I 0 l I I o F/QZ O WHOMPAID BY WHOM PAID JOHN A. 005 H477 WEST MINN.

INVENTOR FP I/wr M000, JR

ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 25, 1965 I NVENTOR I FRANK X.Muoqd/z ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 F. X. MUDD, JR

CONTINUOUS ENVELOPES JOHN A O 1471 WEST 31. PAUL- SS'OS IVHNN Dec. 27,1966 Filed June 25, 1965 INVENTOR FRANK X. M000, JR,

"ATTORNEY OODOOOOO \\II .I II I m m M o H w Y B M we 0- NA. a x A P wmwm Mow w" W W H W w M L r mm o o o o o" o 0 My 0 0 0V 0 o o 0 ie 0 o oUnited States Patent 3,294,423 CQNTHNUUUE? ENVELOPES Frank X. Modal,Ira, Palantine, IlL, assignor to Qurtis line, Ramsey, Minn, acorporation of Minnesota Filed June 25, 1965, Ser. No. 466,959 10Claims. (Cl. 282-25) This invention relates to an improvement incontinuous envelopes and deals particularly with a structure includingan elongated carrier sheet or web capable of serving a dual purpose acarrier sheet and a form, and to which is secured a series of envelopescontaining duplicate forms which may be simultaneously printed with theoriginal form or carrier sheet.

In the application of Frank X. Mudd, Jr., Serial No. 340,602, filedJanuary 28, 1964, now Patent No. 3,237,970, for mailing envelopes, astructure was shown including a carrier sheet to the face of which wassecured a series of equally spaced envelopes. Overlying each envelopewas secured an original form, the forms being capable of being printedby a continuous printing apparatus. Inside of the envelope was one ormore duplicate forms, each form being made of a material capable ofproducing visible indicia on discreet areas when subjected to pressurein said discreet areas. Thus, as the original was printed, the duplicateform inside of the envelope was simultaneously printed.

It has been found that considerable expense can be saved by eliminatingthe original form overlying the face of the envelope, and by using thecarrier sheet as the original form. By printing the carrier sheet toprovide groups of indicia on the forward surface thereof recurring atregularly spaced intervals, and by attaching the envelopes faceforwardly against the rear of the carrier sheet in opposed relation tothe forms or indicia printed on the carrier sheet, the material printedon the carrier sheet may be simultaneously printed upon the duplicateforms within the envelope.

A feature of the present invention resides in the elimination of theseparate original form by printing the carrier sheet to create theoriginal form.

A further feature of the present invention lies in providing a carriersheet, the carrier sheet being printed to provide groups of indicia onthe forward surface thereof at regularly spaced intervals, and inproviding perforated lines extending transversely across the sheetbetween the groups of indicia. The envelopes are secured to the rearsurface of the carrier sheet with the forward surface of the envelopeagainst the rear surface of the carrier sheet. After the carrier sheethas been printed to simultaneously print the original and the duplicateforms within the envelopes, the envelopes may be automatically separatedfrom the carrier sheet. The sheet or web may be longitudinally slit toseparate the center portion of the carrier sheet in which the forms areprinted and the marginal edge portions of the carrier sheet to which theenvelopes were attached. The center portion of the carrier sheet maythen be split apart along the transverse perforated lines to separatethe individual original forms.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of astructure which may be completely formed by automatic machinery, may beprinted by automatic machinery, and the envelopes may be separ-ated fromthe original forms by automatic machinery.

3,294,423 Patented Dec. 27, 1966 These and other objects and novelfeatures of the present invention will be more clearly and fully setforth in the following specification and claims:

In the drawings forming a part of the specification;

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a portion a carrier sheet whichhas been printed with groups of indicia on its forward surface, theindicia recurring at regular intervals, and to show an envelope attachedto the rear surface of the carrier sheet in registry with one of thegroups of indicia.

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of a small portion of the carriersheet.

FGURE 3 is a plan view of the duplicate form which is positioned withinthe envelope.

FGURE 4 is a diagrammatic view of one form of envelope which may be usedin the combination.

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view of the blank from which a modified formof envelope may be formed.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional view through a portion of the carriersheet and envelope thereupon, the position of the section beingindicated by the line 66 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 6 in which the envelope shown inFIGURE 4 of the drawings is used.

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of a modified form of carrier sheet inwhich the carrier sheet is perfonated.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view through the structure shown in FIGURE 8,the position of the section being indicated by line 99 of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the method of separation of theenvelopes and original forms.

As indicated in FIGURE 4, the envelope A includes a generallyrectangular :front panel 10 which is hingedly connected along a foldline 11 to the rear panel 12. A sealing flap 13 is hingedly connected tothe edge of the front panel 10 opposite the hinge line 11 along a lineof fold 14. Obviously, the shape of the envelope may be varied, the rearpanel .12 is shown having a central notch 15 along its free edge tosimplify the removal of the contents of the envelope. Sealing flaps 16are hingedly secured to opposite ends of the front panel 10 alongparallel fold lines 17. Extension flaps 19 are detatchably connected tothe ends of the rear panel 12 along generally parallel perforated lines20. If preferred, the perforated lines 20 may be slightly offsetinwardly from the fold line 17 so that the rear panel 12 will notproject laterally beyond the front panel 10 after the extension flaps 19have been removed. It is further obvious that while I have described theflap 16 as a sealing flap and the flaps 19 as extension flaps, togetherwith their being secured to the front and rear panels respectively, ifdesired the position of these flaps may be reversed.

A generally rectangular window opening 21 as shown in FIGURE 5 may beprovided at a suitable location in the front panel 10. This windowopening 21 is normally closed "by a transparent sheet in one form ofconstruction. If a transparent sheet is provided to close the windowopening 21, the sheet is adhered marginally to the inner surface of thefront panel. This construction is well known. Alternatively, the windowopening 21 is not closed as may be seen in the accompanying drawings.

As is commonly known, papers have been produced which permit duplicatecopies to be made With-out the use of carbon paper. This paper, whenplaced beneath an original, provides a duplicate copy by pressure uponthe surface of the paper, as during printing, addressograiphing, andtyping and the like. As a result, information typed upon the originalappears also on the duplicate copy. Usage of such paper in simplifyingthe preparation of duplicate forms for mailing is contemplated herein.

It is known that envelopes may be automatically produced which enclosethe duplicate copy of a form, and the original of the form may beautomatically attached to overlie the front surface of the envelope. Theoriginal form may be filled in in the usual manner either by typing theinformation on the form or applying the information through anyapparatus capable of filling out the necessary information on theoriginal. As the original is printed, the information is duplicated onthe form sealed within the envelope. Where a window is provided in theenvelope through which a selected area of the duplicate form may beseen, the form is complete for mailing as soon as the original isdetached from the face of the envelope. On the other hand, where .awindow is not provided, printing of the original duplicates on the outersurface of the envelope.

In the formation of the envelope A, the sealing flaps 16 are foldedalong their fold line 17 to overlie the surface of the panel to whichthey are attached, which in the construction illustrated comprises thefront panel .10. Adhesive is applied to the exposed surface of thesealing flaps 16, and the rear panel 12 is folded to overlie the sealingflap 16 and is adhered thereto. Obviously, if the sealing flaps 16 arehinged to the rear panel 12, the application of adhesive to the flaps 16will adhere these flaps to the front panel 10. This procedure leaves theprojecting flanges or extension flaps 19 projecting laterally behind theremainder of the envelope.

The extension flaps are adhered to a carrier sheet 22 which will befurther described.

FIGURES 1 and 2 show the envelopes A of the drawings mounted upon anelongated carrier sheet 22 for delivery to an addressing machine orbookkeeping machine. The backing web 23 of the carrier sheet is providedwith spaced perforations 25 extending longitudinally of the web andadjacent sides thereof for engagement by pin wheels or sprockets of theaddressing or printing apparatus.

Various means are available and are well known in the art for securingthe extension flaps 19 to the carrier sheet.

As may be seen in FIGURE 1, the envelopes secured to the elongatedcarrier sheet 22 provide a series of envelopes in parallel relationship.

As has been pointed out, it is an object of the present invention toeliminate the considerable expense previously encountered by eliminatingthe original form which formerly was used between the carrier sheet andthe face of the envelope by using the carrier sheet itself as theoriginal form.

FIGURE 1 illustrates a carrier sheet 22 on which groups of indicia onthe forward surface thereof recur at regularly spaced envelopes, therelationship of the envelope to the rear surface of the carrier sheetbeing shown in dotted outline.

FIGURE 2 views the carrier sheet and attached envelope from the rear ofthe carrier sheet.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a form similar to the form on the forward surfaceof the carrier sheet. This form may be carried within the envelope A andprinted at the time that the information is typed or otherwise printedon the carrier sheet by the pressure of the type or other imprintingmechanism used. Action papers suitable for this purpose are madecommercially by a number of companies and any of several are suitablefor use as forms to be inserted within the envelope A prior toimprinting of the carrier sheet with the desired information by theuser. The duplicating form 26 may be seen in relation to the envelopeand carrier sheet in the section of FIGURE 6.

It will be understood that the duplicate form 26 is of a materialcapable of producing visible indicia on discrete areas thereof whensubjected to pressure in said discrete areas whereby information typedon the carrier sheet 22 among the indicia in one of the groups on thecarrier sheet will be visibly duplicated on the duplicate form. Theduplicate form 26 within the envelope A has indicia thereoncorresponding in arrangement to that appearing in the indicia groups onthe carrier sheet 22 or in such a manner that the information typed orotherwise imprinted on the carrier sheet will be reproduced on theduplicate form.

As previously indicated, the surface of the envelope in face contactwith the rear side of the carrier sheet may include a window opening 21through which a portion of the duplicate sheet 26 may be viewed when theenvelope A is detached from the carrier sheet 22.

As previously indicated, a plurality of duplicate forms similar to thatdescribed are provided in each envelope where an enclosure is desired.

Returning to FIGURE 2, it is evident that the envelope A is held inrelation to the carrier sheet 22 by the extension flaps 19. The envelopeA is detachable from the extension flaps 19 along the weakened orperforated lines of separation 20.

As has been indicated, the portion of the carrier sheet 22 whichoverlies any particular envelope has indicia upon it similar to thatwhich is to be duplicated on the duplicating form 26 in the envelope. Toenable the carrier sheet to be separated from adjacent carrier sheetportions, parallel lines of separation 28 and 30 .separate one portionof the carrier sheet from the next succeeding portion overlying the nextsucceeding envelope. Accordingly, since the carrier sheet contains theinformation which has been duplicated on the duplicate form 26, thiscarrier sheet portion may be separately transmitted or filed dependingupon its particular purpose. The particular manner in which the carriersheet is separated from the envelopes, and the manner by which adjacentportions of the carrier sheet are separated will be disclosed inconnection with the drawings of FIG- 10 subsequently.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a carrier sheet 22 to which a modification in theform of a carbon backing 32 has been provided so that informationimprinted on the carrier sheet may be duplicated on the underlying orattached envelope. This particular form of construction is particularlyadvantageous where the envelope does not have a window. In suchinstance, the carbon 32 imprints desired information on the envelopeincluding address and whatever else is desired. Obviously, the carbonpaper 32 may be so positioned so as to be capable of imprinting only ina relatively restricted area. It is additionally obvious that aduplicating form 26 may be inserted in the envelope as well.

FIGURE 9 discloses another modification in which the carrier sheet 22embodies a window 34 whereby the usage of the carbon 32 for purposes ofaddressing may be eliminated.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the carrier sheet may contain anopening such as the window described, and may additionally have a carbonpaper backing for the purposes of duplication, or may be used in variouscombinations to provide the desired results.

FIGURE 8 illustrates the plan view of the drawing of FIGURE 9, theattached envelope being shown in dotted outline.

FIGURE 10 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the method ofseparation of the envelope and the carrier portions. It is to be notedthat in the preferred con struction the transverse lines of separation28 and 30 do not extend completely across the carrier sheet 22, althoughthey could if desired. Preferably, these transverse lines of separationcorrespond to the width of the envelope attached to the carrier sheet.The lines of separation 20 along each side of the envelope are alignedwith similar lines of separation on adjacent envelopes. In normalpractice, the envelope would be processed through a regular continuousprinter for imprinting desired indicia information on the carrier sheetand the duplicating forms. These continuous printers are well known, andit is not believed necessary to describe them.

Automatic strippingequipment would then strip off the envelopes from thecarrier sheet, the envelopes separating from the carrier and extensionflaps along the lines of separation 20. While the carrier sheet isusually longitudinally slit along the lines of separation 20, thecarrier sheet could be longitudinally perforated in registry with thelines 20, and the marginal edges of the carrier sheet could be torn offrather than cut. This would leave the central portion of the carriersheet 22 still intact. The upper portion of the drawing illustrates thecarrier sheet back after the envelope has been removed. The carriersheet would then be run through a forms buster which would automaticallycut the carrier sheet along the generally parallel lines 3 6 and 38. Atthe same time that the forms burster automatically cuts along the twolines 36 and 38, a snapping or separating action is provided to bursteach form apart along the transverse lines of separation or perforationsuch as 28. The separated envelope form 40 is shown at the upper end ofthe drawing 10 after having been separated from the connecting adjacentportions.

It is apparent that my construction provides a carrier sheet which mayserve as a form rather than just a carrier sheet alone. Obviously, manyadvantages accrue from such construction not the least of which is agreatly reduced amount of bull: and obviously lessened cost.Additionally, by eliminating the requirement of providing additionalthicknesses in relationship to the envelope, less difficulty is likelyin automatically processing the envelopes because of the lessened bulkdue to elimination of the additional previously required form. Again, itis to be emphasized that elimination of this previously required formfurther enables the carrier sheet itself to be used in a manner which isfar more adaptable than had previously been considered possible.

It is also obvious that the carrier sheet may be used with a variety ofenvelope forms without any difficulty whatsoever. Additionally, thepresent structure enables the carrier sheet itself to be greatlystrengthened since the carrier sheet portions which are separated willactually be used for filing or other purposes, and therefore it isapparent that variation may be provided in having the carrier sheet ofgreater or lessened weight depending upon the usage to which the carrierportion is to be used.

Obviously, the flexibility provided whereby the carrier sheet itselfserves as the originally imprinted form and carbon papers or papers of amaterial capable of producing visible indicia on discrete areas thereofwhen subected to pressure in these areas are utilized to duplicate theinformation imprinted on the carrier portion enables a variety of usageswhich are believed within the skill of other craftsmen in the fieldafter this disclosure. For example, the carrier sheet as described inthe foregoing drawings may include a window opening in which case typingof an address may be made directly upon the envelope itself, withsubsequent duplication taking place within the envelope, or acombination of action papers and carbon copy paper may be employed toproduce an endless variety of accomplishments depending upon the needsand purposes of the user.

In accordance with the Patent Ofiice statutes, I have set forth the bestembodiments of my invention, and I desire to have it understood thatobvious changes may be made within the scope of the accompanying claimswithout departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. In combination, an elongated carrier sheet having groups of indiciaon one surface thereof recurring at regularly spaced intervals,

an envelope detachably secured to the opposite surface of said carriersheet rearwardly of each group of indicia on said one surface thereof,and a duplicate form within each said envelope having indicia thereoncorresponding in arrangement to that appearing in each said group onsaid carrier sheet,

said duplicate form being of a material capable of pro ducing visibleindicia on discrete areas thereof when subjected to pressure in saiddiscrete areas,

whereby information typed on said carrier sheet among the indicia in oneof said groups will be visibly duplicated on said duplicate form.

2. The structure of claim 1 and in which the surface of said envelope inface contact with the other side of said carrier sheet includes a windowopening through which a portion of said duplicate sheet may be viewedwhen said envelope is detached. 7

3. The structure of claim 1 and in which the envelope includes a pair offoldably connected panels marginally connected together.

4. In combination, an elongated carrier sheet having wording printed ona surface thereof arranged in recurring similar regularly spaced areas,

a series of envelopes each including a pair of panels marginallyconnected,

one of said panels including a detachable area secured to the othersurface of said carrier sheet to position an envelope in opposedrelation to each of said printed areas with one said panel in facecontact with said carrier sheet,

each said envelope including at least one duplicate form enclosedthereon and printed in an arrangement similar to that in said recurringareas of said carrier sheet, said duplicate form being made of amaterial capable of producing visible indicia on discrete areas thereofwhen subjected to pressure in these discrete areas,

whereby indicia imprinted in said one of said spaced areas of saidcarrier sheet will be duplicated on the duplicate form within saidenvelope opposite one of said spaced areas. 5. The structure of claim 4and in which the panel of said envelope which is in face contact withthe other surface of said carrier sheet is provided with a windowtherethrough through which a portion of said duplicate form is visible.

6. The structure of claim 4 and in which said detachable area extendsfrom opposite sides of said envelope. 7. In combination, an envelopeincluding a generally rectangular front panel and a rear panel foldablyconnected along an edge,

means connecting said panels together, an elongated carrier sheet havingspaced indicia on one surface thereof recurring at regular intervals,

means securing said envelope in spaced relation to the other surface ofthe carrier sheet in opposed relation to said indicia,

means between said carrier sheet and the adjoining surface of each saidenvelope adapted to duplicate information typed on a selected areas ofsaid carrier sheet upon said envelope, and

a duplicate form between said panels of said envelope and of a materialcapable of producing visible indicia on discrete areas thereof whensubjected to pressure in these areas.

8. In combination, an elongated carrier sheet,

a series of envelopes including front and rear panels connected inparallel relation,

means detachably securing said envelopes to the carrier sheet with thefront panels in face contact with said carrier sheet,

a duplicate form within each said envelope,

said duplicate form being of a material capable of producing visibleindicia on discrete areas thereof when subjected to pressure in saiddiscrete areas,

whereby information typed on said carrier sheet will be visiblyduplicated on said duplicate form.

9. The structure of claim 8 and in which said carrier sheet includesapertures intermediate'the side edges thereof exposing a portion of thesurface of said front panels.

10. The structure of claim 9 and in which the front panel of theenvelope includes a window element through which a portion of theduplicate form may be viewed when said envelope is detached.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,723,077 11/1955Whitman 22969 2,790,593 4/1957 Reuter 22969 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, PrimaryExaminer.

DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Examiner.

1. IN COMBINATION, AN ELONGATED CARRIER SHEET HAVING GROUPS OF INDICIAON ONE SURFACE THEREOF RECURRING AT REGULARLY SPACED INTERVALS, ANENVELOPE DETACHABLY SECURED TO THE OPPOSITE SURFACE OF SAID CARRIERSHEET REARWARDLY OF EACH GROUP OF INDICIA ON SAID ONE SURFACE THEREOF,AND A DUPLICATE FORM WITHIN EACH SAID ENVELOPE HAVING INDICIA THEREONCORRESPONDING IN ARRANGEMENT TO THAT APPEARING IN EACH SAID GROUP ONSAID CARRIER SHEET, SAID DUPLICATE FROM BEING OF A MATERIAL CAPABLE OFPRODUCING VISIBLE INDICIA ON DISCRETE AREAS THEREOF WHEN SUBJECTED TOPRESSURE IN SAID DISCRETE AREAS, WHEREBY INFORMATION TYPED ON SAIDCARRIER SHEET AMOUNG THE INDICIA IN ONE OF SAID GROUPS WILL BE VISIBLYDUPLICATED ON SAID DUPLICATE FORM.